COUNTDOWN: Day of departure

In preparation for this mission we attended a Pre-Field Orientation conducted by the Discover the World Short Term Missions staff at Cherry Hills Church back in February. We did some team building exercises which included various scenarios to help sensitize us to what we may experience in real world situations on the mission field. Differences in language, food, access to certain conveniences would be put to the test. We were given a phrase during this training that was repeated throughout the day: "We make plans and they WILL change." This is not just a cute catchphrase. It's true.

Our group was suppose to leave all together on one flight from Denver and fly non-stop to London. Those plans have changed. We are NOT flying together as one group. We will be on various flights leaving Denver today. If all goes according to plan we will all arrive in London tomorrow morning where we will then board the same plane and fly as one group to Prague.

There's a lot you can pray for: logistics of checking in 93 individuals on 4 different flights in Denver, luggage and other equipment making it on the correct flights for each leg of the trip, flight connections happen the way they should and that we ALL arrive in London tomorrow morning to continue together to Prague. WHEW!!! I'm getting tired just thinking about.

Your prayers on our behalf are valued and appreciated. I am confident that the Lord is in the middle of this and I trust Him. I believe this momentary inconvenience cannot begin to compare to what He has in store for us on this journey.

Check back for another update on Saturday morning.

COUNTDOWN: 2 days to go

The excitement is building with the members of The Choir Missions trip. Some choir members are being joined by spouses and others will have the entire family including children. Packing, repacking and deciding what to take and what to leave behind. Our tech team is responsible not only for their own personal luggage but they are also transporting audio and video equipment. The instrumentalists are also taking their instruments. Pray that everything makes it unscathed and that it also clears Customs.

The rehearsal was great! The choir and rhythm section (piano, bass and drums) have been working overtime preparing for this. It's really paying off too. Please pray that everyone continue to be in good health for the journey.

Check back for the next update on Friday when The Choir begins the next leg of this amazing journey.

COUNTDOWN: 6 days to go

We have less than a week before our flight departs for the Czech Republic on Friday May 29th. This is our last weekend at home before our journey begins. Some of us are doing some last minute shopping and starting to pack for the trip. Some are attending graduation ceremonies and some may be guest at a wedding. Others are making plans for Memorial Day. Whatever you're doing keep The Choir Trip in your prayers.

Our partners in Czech Republic and Israel are making preparations for our arrival. They are looking forward to us joining them in opportunities to share the Gospel. Also be praying for them.

It's another rainy day (7 out of 8 straight weekends) in metro Denver. If you're a sports junkie like me you'll catch Game 3 between Nuggets and Lakers tonight at Pepsi Center. GO NUGGETS!

The Choir team (singers, instrumentalists and tech crew) will assemble again Tuesday night for a final rehearsal. Check back again on Wednesday for another update.

COUNTDOWN: 9 days before trip departure

We have a little more than a week before our flight departs for the Czech Republic on Friday May 29th. We're getting excited and there's still lots to do. Our group of about 95 includes singers, instrumentalists, technical people and family members. The singers have continued in rehearsals on Tuesday nights with Randy and Nathan to work on our sound and polish the songs selected for us to perform while we're in Pisek at Elim Church and for the concerts we'll sing in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. We can't wait!

Will you pray that our preparations are completed on time, that everyone stays healthy and that God will speak peace into each one of us as we prepare to leave for this mission.

This blog is created specifically for this trip to keep you updated on our daily activities. You can also post your own comments that we can pass along to the team members.

We are so grateful to you for supporting this mission.